The word “Awesome” gets way too overused these days. I myself am guilty of abusing it often, in a far too casual way. But occasionally, just now and then, you get to see something that genuinely inspires AWE. Something that the term “awesome” was really meant to encompass.
So…. OPPENHEIMER is. Just. Awesome. It’s transcendentally beautiful and simultaneously terrifying. Utterly absorbing. Mind-bogglingly staged and deftly-plotted. One of the most cinematic experiences I’ve had. I was lucky enough to see it projected from 70mm film (at Picturehouse Central in London) and while I’d argue that the latest digital projection (laser) technologies probably outpace analog film projection in crispness and colour (not to mention lack of film dirt!) there was a wonderfully warm and human quality to this old-world technology. I still prefer high-end digital projection, but 70mm projection is a nice gimmick. Of course, acquisition is a different matter – and I love that Nolan still shoots on film. There’s such a tactile, “real” quality to his work.
And the sound. Wow! The score and the sound design are almost inseparable in this film. Ludwig Göransson’s score is omnipresent but never overbearing. It drifts from ambient, almost background noise, to an insane level of intensity during the Trinity test scenes. And the sound design seems carefully to slot around it, become a part of it. All in the service of making your mind (and ears) blow out! If this film doesn’t take home the academy award for best score or sound design, then there’s no justice in the world.
Cillian Murphy gives a career-best performance as the lead. It’s almost impossible to imagine anyone else in this role, it’s like it was always his destiny. He’s halo’ed by a supporting cast of unbelievable talent. Robert Downey Junior and Matt Damon both excellent. It’s the kind of movie where even the minor characters are played by A-grade actors. If I was going to find any faults at all, the only casting I felt didn’t quite click was (the usually excellent) Florence Pugh. She’s certainly not bad – but I never entirely bought into her in that role. Maybe it needed someone (even) hotter and crazier! It’s the most minor of quibbles though.
But the real star of this show is Christopher Nolan himself. What a mensch! What an achievement! What an incredible director! And this might well be his best film so far. So. In summary: 100% AWESOME!!! And for god’s sake SEE IT IN THE CINEMA!!!!
